Alaska Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Last Frontier. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Alaska Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
459 (retired ParaPro), or WorkKeys Level 4 Workplace Documents, Level 4 Applied Math, Level 3 Graphic Literacy
Exam and minimum vary by state or district. Verify the current requirement.
Test Duration
145 min total (85 + 60)
ParaPathways: Reading & Writing 85 min, Mathematics 60 min, timed separately
Test Sections
2
Reading & Writing and Mathematics, scored separately
Test Fee
$59 / $75
ParaPathways: $59 at a test center, $75 at home
School Districts
54
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Criminal background check required by the hiring district; Alaska law allows a fingerprint-based state (DPS) and FBI check for jobs that supervise minors
Governing Body
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED)
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours (or the equivalent) from a regionally or nationally accredited institution
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Alaska
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Alaska requires that all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I-funded programs meet rigorous standards of qualification.
ESSA Compliance and State Standards
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) establishes federal requirements that paraprofessionals working in Title I programs must meet one of three qualification pathways: hold a degree, complete college coursework, or pass a formal assessment.
Alaska's Unique and Flexible Approach
Alaska's school system is unlike any other state's. With a vast geographical area, numerous remote and fly-in-only communities, and a wide range of Alaska Native cultures, a one-size-fits-all approach to educator qualification just does not work here. The state's flexible pathways are a direct response to these realities.
Alaska's regulation (4 AAC 04.220) lists several assessments, including ACT WorkKeys, so candidates can choose the one that fits them.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Alaska
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree (AA, AS) or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Official sealed transcripts required
- Must be from accredited institution
- From a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 semester hours (or the equivalent) at a regionally or nationally accredited college or university.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Ask your hiring district which courses it counts toward the 48 semester hours
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: Alaska has not published statewide ParaPathways cut scores, so confirm the requirement with DEED or your district; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics. An already-earned score of 459 or higher on the retired ParaPro scale still counts. Alaska's regulation still names only the ParaPro; ask DEED or your hiring district whether it accepts ParaPathways before you register.
- ACT WorkKeys: at least Level 4 on Workplace Documents, Level 4 on Applied Math, and Level 3 on Graphic Literacy (4 AAC 04.220)
- Meeting Alaska's WorkKeys levels also earns at least a Bronze ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC); Level 4 or higher on all three earns Silver
Additional Mandatory Alaska Requirements
- * Background Check: Expect a criminal background check from your hiring district. Alaska law lets districts request a fingerprint-based check through the Alaska Department of Public Safety and the FBI for jobs that supervise children. Ask the district what it requires.
- * Age Requirement: Your hiring district sets any minimum age.
- * Education: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum for all pathways. Your district must also evaluate you every year against Alaska's paraprofessional standards.
- * District-Specific Training: After hiring, your district will train you in its required topics. Alaska law requires districts to train employees on sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Alaska?
Alaska's regulation (4 AAC 04.220) applies to paraprofessionals employed by a school district in any public school, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, not only in Title I programs. The exceptions are listed below. The key factor is whether your role involves teaching or reinforcing academic content under the supervision of a certified teacher.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Aides/Assistants: The most common title for paraprofessionals working directly with students on academic tasks
- • Special Education Aides: Paraprofessionals who provide academic and behavioral support to students with IEPs
- • Title I Tutors: Staff hired to provide small-group or one-on-one instruction in reading, writing, or math
- • Library/Media Aides: If their duties include helping students find information, teaching research skills, or leading literacy activities
- • Bilingual or Alaska Native Language Education Aides: Paraprofessionals who use a second language to provide instruction and support
May Not Need Requirements
- • Translators: Staff who act as translators to help English learners or students with disabilities take part
- • Parent Involvement Staff: Staff whose only instructional-support duty is conducting parental involvement activities
- • Non-Instructional Staff: Staff with only non-instructional duties, such as computer technical support, personal care, or clerical work
Assessment Details: ParaPathways vs. WorkKeys
ETS ParaPathways Assessment (replaced the ParaPro)
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately. An already-earned ParaPro score of 459 (retired ParaPro scale) still counts.
- Two subtests: Reading & Writing (51 questions, 85 min), Mathematics (36 questions, 60 min)
- Best for candidates with a traditional academic background
ACT WorkKeys Assessment (Levels 4, 4 and 3)
- Three separate assessments: Applied Math (34 questions), Graphic Literacy (38 questions), Workplace Documents (35 questions)
- 55 minutes per section (165 minutes total)
- Best for candidates with strong practical and reasoning skills; earns a nationally recognized NCRC
In-Depth Breakdown: ParaPathways and WorkKeys
ParaPathways (5757) has two separately timed, separately scored subtests: Reading and Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Each subtest is scored on a 310-350 scale. Some Reading and Writing questions ask you to select one or more answers, and some math questions ask you to type in a number. Here is what you can expect on each part of the ParaPathways and WorkKeys assessments, along with real examples of how these skills apply in Alaska classrooms.
Reading Skills and Knowledge (ParaPathways Reading and Writing subtest 5758: about 30 of its 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Identifying the main idea, supporting details, and author's purpose; understanding vocabulary in context; drawing inferences and making predictions; analyzing the structure of a text.
Classroom Application: You will need these skills to lead a small reading group, helping students break down a challenging passage or understand a science textbook.
Writing Skills and Knowledge (ParaPathways Reading and Writing subtest 5758: about 21 of its 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Identifying errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling; understanding sentence structure and organization; recognizing different stages of the writing process.
Classroom Application: You will use this knowledge when helping a student edit their essay, correct their sentence structure, or organize their ideas for a report.
Mathematics (ParaPathways subtest 5759: 36 questions)
Skills Tested: About 18 questions on numbers and operations and 18 on geometry, measurement and data analysis; an on-screen four-function calculator is provided. Number sense and operations (fractions, decimals, percentages); algebraic concepts (solving simple equations); geometry and measurement (area, perimeter, volume); data analysis (reading charts and graphs).
Classroom Application: You will use these skills daily, whether helping a student with a multi-step word problem, reviewing multiplication tables, or assisting with a hands-on measurement activity.
WorkKeys: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents
Applied Math (34 Questions): Setting up and solving problems with one or two math operations. Working with fractions, decimals, percentages, and converting units of measurement.
Graphic Literacy (38 Questions): Interpreting line graphs and pie charts, understanding diagrams, identifying trends in data, and comparing information between related graphics.
Workplace Documents (35 Questions): Understanding and applying information from moderately complex workplace texts like multi-step instructions, official policies, or detailed emails.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in Alaska
If you take ParaPathways at home, you will see your unofficial scores on screen when you finish.
If You Passed
- Step 1: Celebrate. This is a real accomplishment that opens the door to a rewarding career.
- Step 2: Get Official Documentation. ETS sends official ParaPathways scores roughly one to three weeks after the test. If you took WorkKeys, follow the instructions to access your National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
- Step 3: Update Your Resume. Add your achievement: "Qualified as an Instructional Paraprofessional in Alaska by meeting the requirement your district accepts (for example, the required ACT WorkKeys levels)."
- Step 4: Submit Applications. Check the job pages of the districts where you want to work (for example Anchorage, Mat-Su and Fairbanks). The Alaska Educator Retention and Recruitment Center (aerrc.org) posts school openings statewide, mostly teaching jobs. Attach your score report to every application.
- Step 5: Prepare for the Interview. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you would support students and contribute to a positive school environment, especially in the unique context of an Alaska school.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Do Not Be Discouraged. Many successful paraprofessionals did not pass on their first attempt. View it as a diagnostic tool.
- Step 2: Analyze Your Score Report. ParaPathways gives a separate score for each subtest, with raw points by content category. If you fell short in Mathematics, that is where you need to focus.
- Step 3: Plan Your Retake Timing. ETS lets you retake ParaPathways once as soon as you like; after that, you wait 21 days after your most recent attempt, then you can take it two more times. You can register for just the subtest you missed. WorkKeys has no waiting period for your first retakes; once you have taken every available test form, ACT requires a 30-day wait.
- Step 4: Change Your Strategy. If you used a study guide before, try an online course. If you studied alone, find a study partner. Focus hard on your weakest areas.
Preparing for Your Alaska Paraprofessional Assessment
A structured study plan is the key to success. How long you need depends on where you are starting from and which test you choose. Whether you go with ParaPathways or WorkKeys, giving yourself enough time to practice makes a real difference.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on practice tests and reviewing any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. Gives you enough time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit topics you are rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If you have been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, take the extra time. The confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS official ParaPathways practice test: When you register, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test. It is the best preview of the format and difficulty level. Take it as your first step to see where you stand.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- Public library databases: Ask your local library which test-prep databases it offers.
- ACT WorkKeys practice tests: If you are taking WorkKeys, the ACT website has free sample questions for Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.
Paid Study Options
You do not need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure of a paid resource. Here are the most common options:
- Paraprofessional test-prep books: Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Make sure they cover ParaPathways, not only the retired ParaPro.
- Online prep courses: These usually include video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests. Helpful if you learn better with guided instruction.
- Video tutorial packages: Some test prep companies sell video bundles focused on specific subjects. These work well if reading-heavy study materials are not your style.
Alaska-Specific Study Tip
Testing days can be infrequent in remote areas of Alaska. Plan ahead and register early, especially if you need to travel to a testing center. If you are choosing between ParaPathways and WorkKeys, consider which test plays to your strengths: the ETS paraprofessional assessment focuses on academic knowledge while WorkKeys measures practical, real-world skills.
Test Day: What to Expect in Alaska
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Here is a rundown so you can walk in feeling ready.
What to Bring
ETS lists the identification it accepts in your confirmation email and test-day instructions. Check yours against that list before test day.
Bring the confirmation email or document from the testing center with your test date, time, and location.
Testing rooms can be cold, especially in winter. A light jacket or sweater lets you adjust without distraction.
What NOT to Bring
Check-In Procedure
- 1 Follow the ETS check-in instructions. ETS states how early to arrive and what identification to present in your confirmation email and the test-day instructions for the delivery option you chose. Read them before you leave.
- 2 Store personal items. You will be asked to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area.
- 3 Take your assigned seat. The proctor will direct you to your spot and go over the testing rules before the clock starts.
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
Do not spend too long on any single question. If you are stuck, mark it and move on. You can come back to it if there is time left.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Pay attention to words like "not," "except," and "best." They change the meaning entirely.
Eliminate wrong answers
On multiple-choice questions, crossing out answers you know are wrong improves your odds even when you are unsure about the right one.
Do not leave blanks
ETS counts only the questions you answer correctly, so never leave a blank. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Alaska Testing Locations
If you live in a remote area, you may need to travel to a regional hub for testing. Plan your travel and lodging well in advance, especially during winter months when weather can disrupt schedules.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Alaska
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay by District
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Alaska
Special Education Aides: Districts hire aides to support students with disabilities. Pay is set by each district's salary schedule.
Itinerant Aides (Rural): Some paraprofessionals travel by small plane between several village schools in a region to provide specialized support.
Boarding Home Aides: In regional hub towns with high schools that serve students from surrounding villages, paraprofessionals may work in residential dorms providing academic and life-skills support.
Cultural Heritage Aides: These roles involve working alongside elders and teachers to integrate Alaska Native culture, language, and traditions into the curriculum.
Career Pathway: From Paraprofessional to Teacher
DEED runs a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship for staff of participating Alaska school districts: you work in a classroom with a mentor teacher while completing coursework through an approved educator preparation program, leading to Alaska teacher licensure. Ask your district whether it participates.
Alaska Test Centers
If you take the ETS ParaPathways test, ETS lists community-based test centers by state and also offers at-home testing. Some school districts and agencies are test centers; contact the center directly to book.
Practical notes
- • Check the job pages of districts (for example Anchorage, Mat-Su and Fairbanks) and the Alaska Educator Retention and Recruitment Center (aerrc.org) for school openings
- • Alaska Job Centers offer WorkKeys testing as part of workforce development services
How to Register for an Assessment in Alaska
The registration process typically begins through a school district's Human Resources department or the state education agency.
Step 1: Find Job Openings and Apply
Visit school district websites and apply for paraprofessional positions through their online portals.
Contact the HR department of the school district where you want to work (e.g., Anchorage School District, Mat-Su Borough School District). Ask: "Do you accept ParaPathways or WorkKeys? What is your testing schedule? How do I register?"
Step 2: Receive Test Invitation
If you meet minimum qualifications, the HR department will send you testing information and schedule.
If the district does not offer testing directly, they will guide you to a regional center. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
Contact the testing center by phone or email to find an available test slot. In Alaska, plan ahead because testing days can be infrequent, especially in remote locations. For ParaPathways, you register and pay through ETS: $75 at home or $59 at a test center for both subtests. WorkKeys has been offered at no cost through Alaska Job Centers (Alaska Career Ready); ask your local job center.
Pathway to Teaching
DEED runs a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship for staff of participating Alaska school districts: you work in a classroom with a mentor teacher while completing coursework through an approved educator preparation program, leading to Alaska teacher licensure.
Ask your district whether it participates.
Frequently Asked Questions - Alaska Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between a paraprofessional, a teacher's aide, and an instructional assistant?
In Alaska, these titles are often used interchangeably. The term used in Alaska regulation is "paraprofessional," but the day-to-day title varies by district. The important thing is that the role involves instructional support under the supervision of a certified teacher.
Can I work as a paraprofessional while I am still in college?
Yes. Completing at least 48 semester hours (or the equivalent) at a regionally or nationally accredited institution meets the requirement. Until then, you can qualify with a high school diploma and a passing score on one of the assessments Alaska lists in 4 AAC 04.220, such as ACT WorkKeys.
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline varies by state and district and includes background check clearance. Ask your district or state education agency for the current steps.
Can I work while completing my certification?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
Are there opportunities for part-time work?
Yes, many districts hire part-time paraprofessionals, especially for specific programs like after-school tutoring or to provide one-on-one support for a student for part of the school day. Keep in mind that part-time positions may not always include benefits.
How do I find job openings in Alaska?
Check the job pages of the districts where you want to work (for example Anchorage, Mat-Su and Fairbanks). The Alaska Educator Retention and Recruitment Center (aerrc.org) posts school openings statewide, mostly teaching jobs.
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
ETS lets you retake ParaPathways once as soon as you like; if you need more attempts after that, you wait 21 days after your most recent one. You can register for just one subtest ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts. Use the time to study the subtest you missed. For WorkKeys, there is no waiting period for your first retakes; once you have taken every available test form, ACT requires a 30-day wait.
Ready to Start Your Alaska Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.